BRITAIN | Little change for the Windrush Generation after one year

FeaturedPeople protest against the treatment of the Windrush generation in London. Photograph: Wiktor Szymanowicz/Barcroft Images

MONTEGO BAY, April 16, 2019 - The British Guardian says “a year after the government promised to put right its “appalling” treatment of the Windrush generation and committed to reform the Home Office, many of those affected by the scandal remain in acute financial difficulties, and immigration charities say there has been no change in the department’s culture.”

The Guardian story indicated that nothing has changed from a year ago when “ the government was shamed into action...on the opening day of the Commonwealth heads of government meeting in London, when news that Downing Street had refused a meeting with Caribbean leaders to discuss the problem triggered international condemnation.”

Theresa May and her Home Secretary Sajid Javid had “classified thousands of long-term British residents as illegal immigrants, forcing many of them out of their jobs and homes, and in extreme cases, resulting in detention and deportation.” The Guardian said.

The story noted that “over the past 12 months, there has been a concerted official effort to clear up Windrush-related problems. About 5,000 people have been granted paperwork confirming their right to live in the UK, of whom more than 3,600 have been given British citizenship.”

The numbers of persons being detained by immigration authorities have dropped by 41% while those being deported by immigration officers have been reduced by 18% as a result of “changes across the immigration system following Windrush”, the Home Office noted.

A compensation scheme has been announced, which could pay out up to £570m. However, there is concern that “the small print of the compensation scheme has caused concern that the payouts might prove insufficient.”

“But charities helping those affected are concerned so many people continue to have to fight to get their situations resolved. Immigration lawyers say they have seen no evidence the Home Office has become more compassionate, or any sign of any improved sensitivity in its handling of cases,” the Guardian lamented.

The story lamented that “a year ago, most people affected were optimistic their situations would quickly improve; for many, that has not been the case. Some are still unable to open bank accounts and are struggling with everyday life.”

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